SMACNA marks NYC Indoor Air Quality Day.

As Earth Day raises awareness of the importance of the outdoor environment for health and well-being, New York State Indoor Air Quality Day was celebrated on November 10th to raise awareness of the equal importance of indoor environments in our daily lives. Indoor air quality was heralded at events statewide as the key element in ensuring healthy public buildings.

November 10th was unanimously declared by the New York State Legislature as the first New York State Indoor Air Quality Day. The Sheet Metal Air Conditioning Contractors National Association of New York State (SMACNA-NYS) held events statewide to highlight the vital role that quality construction and maintenance of buildings plays in achieving high indoor air quality. SMACNA also distributed 3,000 brochures statewide on the subject of indoor air quality (IAQ) to schools, public officials, business groups and public interest groups.

The New York City event was held at Four Times Square, the first environmentally responsible skyscraper built in New York City. Known as a "green" building, Four Times Square's innovative indoor air quality systems were toured by construction industry leaders as part of the day's events.

"Most people spend the majority of their day indoors," said William Freese, president of SMACNA-NYS. "The public is entitled to indoor air quality and the comfort of good ventilation systems. Four Times Square is exemplary of the highest quality indoor air systems.

"Properly ventilated buildings are extremely important. Office workers' health and productivity are directly affected by the ventilation system," Freese continued. "Illnesses such as asthma can be aggravated by poor indoor air quality. Students' health and ability to concentrate and learn are also affected by the quality of the indoor air in schools."

Douglas Durst, president of the Durst Organization, explained "When we started planning Four Times Square, there was never any question that the building would be environmentally, as well as ecologically, responsible. Although it is the first building of its kind, I hope that this example will lead the way to setting a standard."

"Indoor air quality was an important aspect of our planning," Durst continued. "Fortunately, it makes good business sense. Better IAQ can reduce office-related illnesses and complaints, improve productivity and avoid unnecessary absenteeism, resulting in economic advantages for the employer and more pleasant working conditions for the employee."

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) stated in a 1982 report that 52 percent of all indoor air quality problems can be prevented or ameliorated by proper ventilation system construction and maintenance. Further, the National Energy Management Institute (NEMI) reported in 1993 that nationally, $54.4 billion could be achieved in annual productivity gains from improved indoor air quality. As for indoor air quality in New York's schools, 76 percent report at least one unsatisfactory environmental factor in their buildings.

Serving as construction manager for Four Times Square, Construction Corporation President and COO Daniel R. Tishman said, "I'm very proud of Four Times Square because everyone involved went the extra mile to incorporate environmental innovation into each aspect of the building's design and construction. Because the real estate and construction industry does not change after one building, it will take many more pioneers before the 'greening' of buildings becomes the norm. Events like the New York State Indoor Air Quality Day are an important means of bringing the issue to the forefront, and I applaud the efforts of all parties who seek to promote environmentally friendly building design and construction."

The Sheet Metal Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA) represents over 1,600 heating, ventilating and air conditioning contractors (HVAC); air and water testing and balancing firms; fire and smoke damper and louver manufacturers; and related sheet metal companies. SMACNA contractors are affiliated with the Sheet Metal Workers International Association (SMWIA) Union.

SMACNA is the nationally recognized standard-setting body for Heating Ventilating Air Conditioning (HVAC) construction, producing over 30 highly respected HVAC technical manuals. SMACNA's s standards are incorporated in many building codes nationwide, and its Indoor Air Quality standards are in the process of being approved by the American National Standards Institute.

SMACNA of New York State, headquartered in Melville, NY, represents nearly 100 ventilation contractors statewide. Recent construction projects of local SMACNA firms include the Congo Rain Forest at The Bronx Zoo, Radio City Music Hall, the concourse at 30 Rockefeller Center, the New York Hilton, Mt. Sinai Radiology, and a number of New York City public schools.